By Francis Kioko
Date : 21st June 2024.
Kitui town was brought to a standstill for most of the day as youth took to the streets to protest against two Kitui MPs who voted in favor of the widely opposed Finance Bill in the National Assembly.
Chanting slogans such as “Nimrod and Kaki must go with Ruto” and carrying placards warning MPs who supported the bill despite public opposition, the demonstrators expressed their anger. The protest was sparked by Nimrod Mbai of Kitui East and Rachel Kaki of Kitui South, who were among the minority of local MPs to support the bill. Out of eight MPs from Kitui, only these two ignored calls from their constituents to reject the legislation.
Demonstrators vowed to ensure these MPs face consequences in the 2027 general elections.
The protests caused significant disruption, halting transport in Kitui town as protesters formed human barricades to block roads. Despite the disruption, the protest remained largely peaceful.
Addressing the media, the protesters condemned the government’s use of police force against demonstrators, referencing the recent death of peaceful protester Rex Masai in Nairobi, allegedly at the hands of police. Youths across Kenya have pledged to continue their demonstrations until President Ruto and supportive MPs withdraw the Finance Bill.
Similar protests occurred in Wote town, Makueni County, where business activities were paralyzed. Protesters criticized local MP Mwengi Mutuse of Kibwezi West for supporting the bill. In Machakos County, three MPs—Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Fabian Kyule (Kangundo), and Vincent Kawaya (Mwala)—were also targeted by demonstrators for their support of the bill, which they argued betrays the people of Ukambani and the broader Kenyan population.
With youth across the nation vowing to intensify their protests, next Tuesday’s planned demonstrations are expected to be even larger, with organizers calling for nationwide participation to pressure the government and MPs to abandon the Finance Bill, which they claim will impose unbearable taxes on already struggling Kenyans.
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